Annual Conference

Resource Library

Civilian Oversight in Canada

Most provinces in Canada have some form of civilian oversight of law enforcement. Although agency size, statutory authority and responsibilities vary from province to province, civilian oversight agencies share a common goal: a positive relationship between the public and the police.

This is achieved through an accessible and transparent complaint process, conscientiously monitored by independent and impartial civilian agencies. Commissions and provincial agencies responsible for civilian oversight of investigations into alleged police misconduct are mandated to ensure complaint investigations are thorough, fair and balanced to both the complainant and the respondent.